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The Diet Plan for GERD that Can Stop Heartburn

By: Jeff Martin Is there really a GERD diet that can help acid reflux victims to get rid of those annoying symptoms? Recent studies reinforce the hypothesis that acid reflux patients, especially those with less pronounced symptoms, can make major improvements to their medical condition by relatively simple diet changes. Modifying food plans to cure acid reflux is given strong support by classical and alternative medical thinking.

In general, GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease), also called acid reflux, is an operational problem of the digestive system. Gastro esophageal reflux disease happens when the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) - a muscle behaving as a valve to close off the esophagus from the stomach - does not work correctly and acid matter flows back, or "refluxes", from the stomach towards the esophagus. The link between eating and GERD treatment can be deduced from the gastric/digestive pathophysiology of this medical problem.

For these reasons, gastro esophageal reflux disease must be handled in a fully comprehensive and timely fashion. Acid reflux symptoms can differ from one person to another. Heartburn is what concerns most patients - the burning feeling in the chest and/or throat that occurs when refluxed stomach acid meets the esophageal lining. Patients speak of other symptoms as well, including glutition problems, chest pain, hoarseness, a feeling of an object lodged in the throat and dry coughing. Without treatment, acid reflux can engender significant medical complications, such as ulcers, Barrett's esophagus and for some, cancer.

Reducing weight and changing diet are both strongly advised for GERD patients as the initial step for dealing with this problem (and as part of a full holistic agenda).

One of the main principles of a diet plan against GERD is to avoid foods that make the LES muscle weak. There is a range of naturally occurring substances that interfere with the proper operation of the LES, such as dopamine, prostaglandins and acetylcholine. Foods that contain those substances or that encourage their presence in the human body (high fat foods, mint, chocolate) should therefore be eliminated from a diet for acid reflux. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol also interfere in the same way by reducing pressure on the LES and so their intake should also be reduced.

Other changes include the elevation of the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches to decrease the exposure of the esophagus to acid. A further important principle of diet plans to manage acid reflux is to eat the last meal of the day at least three hours before going to bed, as food (above all dairy products) is a major factor in secretion of acid.

A lot of acid reflux victims comment on the degradation of their symptoms when they consume too much spicy foods or coffee. Meals containing a lot of spice will often irritate the esophageal mucosa.

The initial but important step in a fully all-natural holistic program is the diet plan. Even if it gives immediate alleviation for GERD, it should be remembered that a change in dietary habits is not a solution in itself, above all in advanced cases of acid reflux.

The holistic approach (specific herbs and vitamin supplements with a complete regime of diet guidelines, eliminating toxins and using Candida control guidelines) can resolve GERD in a natural way and prevent it from coming back, permanently and effectively. Were you aware that your painful and distressing symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease could be gotten rid of forever without any conventional medicine or "over the counter" medication?